Le Paradou is a small village located between Fontvieille and Maussane-les-Alpilles, at the foot of the Alpilles mountain range. It lends its name from the mills along the river Arcoule and was formerly called Saint-Martin-de-Castillon, referring to the site of the Towers of Castillon.
"Paradou" is the Provençal word for a fulling mill, driven by a hydraulic engine and formerly used to beat woven woolen fabric.
Ambling around, you will come upon oratories, beautiful Provençal farmhouses (« mas ») as well as the Pène mountain range, dominated by the Towers of Castillon. Peaceful, quiet little streets will appeal as an invitation to Paradou's excellent restaurants.
A small Provençal market is held in Paradou every Tuesday morning.
"THERE IS NO PROVENCE. WHOEVER LOVES IT LOVES THE WORLD OR LOVES NOTHING." Jean Giono
Top Walks :
Le Paradou was the home of peasant poet Charles-Henri Rieu, known as Charloun, who translated many literary works into Provençal, thus earning great respect as well as the friendship of Frédéric Mistral (famous Provençal writer, founder of the Félibrige). You can admire his bust on the fountain in front of the town hall and his tomb in the cemetery.
The must-sees :
Must-sees to explore
